Part 2: Use Everyone’s Gifts in Diaconal Ministry
The charge to the deacons includes many opportunities for diaconal ministry! There is certainly more ministry than any one deacon is able to do. Fortunately, one deacon does not have to do this work alone. Your partners in ministry are other deacons, the elders, the pastor and the congregation!
The God who calls you to serve as a deacon will also equip you to carry out your charge. He has already blessed you with particular gifts and passions within this ministry. How wonderful it would be for each deacon to be able to use those gifts and passions to be engaged in the privilege and joy of serving our God and our neighbours!
The circumstances and lives of neighbours may require a variety of responses. Neighbours may be new immigrants, chronically ill, working poor, widows, refugees and unemployed. There may be instability, isolation, rejection and discouragement.
1. Finding your place of passion in diaconal ministry
A. Our Lord taught that under our High Priest, Jesus Christ, every believer is a priest. As a deacon, you are a priest. Examples of priestly activities may be intentional prayer for the sick and sacrificial helpfulness so that needs of a struggling family may be met.
Name other possible priestly tasks of the deacons:
______
______
B. Share an experience of diaconal ministry through which you were excited/energized!! What were you doing? ______
______
C. Share how this experience of diaconal ministry was a positive occurrence for you. ______
Note these various factors that contribute to a positive experience:
Ø an experience of being/doing something valued
Ø support and affirmation for the accomplished ministry
Ø opportunity to work in an area of giftedness
Ø occasion to respond/relate to a need that makes a difference
Ø expectations and training were provided
Ø an opening to be active and contribute in a manner consistent with the personality that God gave you.
When you are excited and energized as you are serving, you may
be using an ability/gift/passion for that particular service.
Comment on how the above factors contribute to enthusiastic, motivated deacons! For example, a deacon who is passionate about stewardship gets involved in this area. A person who has the gift of mercy may be active in the lives of widows.
2. God’s gifts in you for diaconal ministry (See Appendix on Spiritual Gifts)
One of the richest words in the New Testament is the Greek word that Paul uses at times to describe spiritual gifts: charismata. It derives from the root word charis, which is the Greek word for grace. God’s grace is not limited to His forgiveness of sin. It is also evident in His creative generosity. Charis expresses itself in giving. The gifts God gives to each of us should come to be known as charismata – expressions of God’s grace.
A. Read together:
I Corinthians 7:7 & I Corinthians 12:7 & Romans 12:6-8.
B. Share your areas of strength - your God-given gifts (it may be an area in which you have been repeatedly affirmed). Our God is very creative! Delight in your gift combination as you also discover the gifts of others! ______
C. Note an area of diaconal ministry that creates interest and enthusiasm for you, an area in which you would like to contribute.
______
D. Identify an area of diaconal ministry in which you would like to become (better) equipped!
______
______
It is vital that deacons have the opportunity to serve within their passions and their gifts. If you are uncertain about your gifts and what you enjoy, begin to offer yourself for service. (Or check out your possibilities in a gift survey. Inquire a trusted friend for feedback.)
A gift-based diaconate is a key component to being “Deacons on the Move”.
God’s gifts will give ongoing energy, motivation and the responsibility to carry out the goals of the diaconate. Every diaconate may look very different and have its unique gifts, goals, character, ministries, group dynamics, and style of community. However, the charge to the deacon remains the same. Each is called to be His visible, loving presence in the lives of others.
E. Share your strengths and weaknesses to become together what one deacon could never be alone. Have each deacon identify an area of diaconal ministry to which he/she is best suited and would like to contribute:
Compassion:______
Community ministry:______
Stewardship:______
Justice:______
Administration (chairperson, secretary):______
3. Inspire/involve the congregation in diaconal ministry
A. Share ways that church members are currently involved in diaconal ministry: ______
B. Share reasons as to why church members may not be involved:
______
______
One of the following reasons may exist:
§ they were never asked
§ they did not realize that they had something to offer
§ they are afraid they may do it wrong
§ their past service was not appreciated
§ congregation has not felt a calling to be involved
§ members may feel on the “fringe” of the church community
The vitality and ministry of a church is blessed and multiplied when it encourages and invites others to participate in ministry. There are many talents and resources, much energy and creativity that lay dormant and
¨ wait to be unleashed,
¨ wait to be asked,
¨ wait to be affirmed,
¨ wait to be recognized and
¨ wait to be valued.
It is helpful for deacons as church leaders to remove obstacles to ministry and intentionally look for new ways to engage members in serving Christ together.
C. Read together the following guidelines for involving congregational members as partners in ministry:
q Start small, but start. Build on the interests and skills of those who have indicated an interest and are willing to help.
q Offer meaningful opportunities, not just “busy” work. There needs to be value in the ministry. The opportunity should include some responsibility.
q Develop diaconal opportunities that challenge and fulfill people. Create opportunities for growth. Stretch people’s ability.
q Present clear and accurate information about needs, goals, and possible problems. Inform potential volunteers how much time commitment will be required and what roadblocks or challenges they might encounter.
q Training and support is offered when required.
q Be open to the various passions and gifts of God’s people. People will be most effective and fulfilled in ministry if gifts are used in an area in which there is a passion that is, a strong emotional desire to make a difference.
q Offer affirmation, gratitude and encouragement regularly.
D. Name current diaconal activities in which church members may be able to participate.
______
E. Name some ways to discover gifts and passions within the congregation.
______
The congregation is at its best in diaconal ministry when its neighbourhood recognizes a group of people who have faith supported with words of hope and deeds of compassion. The church gains a more credible, powerful witness for its community when it cultivates and uses the gifts of its members.
Some examples of using the gifts of the church’s members in diaconal ministry are when:
Ø someone with the capacity is encouraged to lead a small group to support single parents
Ø food is supplied to an unemployed father, and a willing, mature member develops a long-term supportive relationship with him
Ø people with mechanical or construction skills are invited to help families experiencing car/home difficulties during times of crisis
Ø when a newcomer to the country is eager to learn English, a person spends time chatting to provide the needed English language practice
Ø someone is willing to provide the required supplies for a community ministry … perhaps a community garden, a children’s play area or a basketball court for youth.
F. Name some new diaconal activities that might be pursued with congregational involvement. Imagine and dream new possibilities!
______
Church members are valuable, essential and effective partners in diaconal ministry. With their participation, the ministry of mercy and compassion is multiplied continually.
2 Corinthians 5: 14, 15 “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died
for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no
longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”
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